What Is Black Sapphire and Should You Buy It?

Upon hearing the word “sapphire”, most people imagine a stone that is deep blue in color. But have you also heard that there is black sapphire? Many people don’t know that such a stone actually exists.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Sapphire Colors

Sapphire is the popular name for one of the varieties of the mineral corundum.

Because of the presence of other chemical elements within its structure, sapphire exists in all possible colors except red – this variety of corundum is called ruby.

Black sapphire – round cut

The most sought-after color of sapphire is blue, but green, pink and yellow stones are also popular.

What Is Black Sapphire?

Black sapphire is a nearly opaque stone whose color is so dark that it appears to absorb all light that enters the gemstone.

Is Black Sapphire the Same as Black Star Sapphire?

Black star sapphire has a similar sounding name but is actually a different stone. It is a variety of the so-called “star sapphires” – stones that due to their unique crystal structures reflect light in the shape of a star.

Black star sapphire is mostly mined in Thailand, West Africa and India.

This stone’s black color is a result of iron and titanium traces present in the mineral. There are also black star sapphire varieties that exhibit pink and purple hues.

Unlike black sapphire, black star sapphire is a very expensive gemstone and can cost thousands of dollars. It is prized by gem lovers because of its beauty and rarity.

Should You Buy Black Sapphire?

When considering black sapphire, you should keep in mind that it is deemed a low-quality stone. The good thing about it is that it’s cheap.

If you are looking for a black and opaque gemstone, this is not a bad choice because sapphire is extremely hard.

Whether you will decide to give black sapphire a chance comes down to your personal preferences; just be aware of what this stone is really worth before making a purchase decision.